1. Home Computer Maintenance A Module of the CYC Course - HomeConnect 8-28-10

2. Set Up Prevention Tips No liquids within spill range. Do not set up computer next to furnace register or window to minimize dust into the computer.

3. Use Prevention Tips Avoid malware (refer to module on Virus & Spyware) Keep all software updated including your operating system and your ant-virus software. Don't click without reading the message. If you're not sure what action to take, write down the exact wording of the message so you can ask for specific help from someone.

4. Keep Hardware & Peripherals Clean Keyboard – Unplug. Shake upside down. Spray with compressed air or sweep with hose attachment of a vacuum. LCD Monitor – Wipe with dry soft cloth (NOT a paper towel). Use rubbing alcohol if necessary. Glass Monitor – Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Mouse – Wipe with dry or moist cloth (or baby wipe). Computer Tower – Wweep with hose attachment, particularly the fan in the back of the computer.

5. Back up Files A few files (example – your resume): – Use a free online service such as Google Docs or Dropbox. Dropbox – Save the file(s) on a portable device such as a flash drive. A large number of files (including your operating system and software): – Use a for fee online back up service such as Dropbox. – Purchase and back up to an external hard drive. – Burn files to CDs.

6. Cookies Small pieces of data that are stored on your computer after visiting a website. Helps a website remember you. Cookies are used to make your surfing more personal and convenient.

7. Cookies can NOT: Store personal information unless you fill out a form with that information Access other files on your computer Look at other cookies.

8. Controlling Your Cookies: Set your privacy and security settings to at least medium. In Internet Explorer o Click on Tools o Click on Internet Options

9. Privacy Tab – Set restrictions on cookies

10. General Tab – Browsing History or Delete Cookies

11. Users If there will be multiple users of your home computer, set up each as separate user accounts. Nobody should use the admin account as his/her own profile. Windows will remember each users preferences including cookies, browser history, bookmarks, etc.

12. More Preventive Maintenance If you have a computer with a Windows operating system - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/op timize.aspx

13. Tech Support If you have online access, do a search for guidance. Local CYC tech support

14. 14 Sources This curriculum was partially adapted from a workshop created by N. Riesgraf for the Hibbing Public Library (MN). Funding provided by IRRRA Do I.T. Community Technology Awareness Program. Revised for Jacksonville Public Library Dec 2005 by Kate Holmes. Additional content created by Connect Your Community, a project of OneCommunity, funded by the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.OneCommunityBroadband Technology Opportunities Program

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